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The casual-dining concept is taking over the lodging industry as more hotels transform their dining venues into less-formal spaces where guests can relax and socialize. Meal options are also giving way to upscale comfort foods that guests can pick up and eat where they like.

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Hotels are ramping up their wireless offerings, offering more connectivity throughout properties, and adding electrical outlets to guest rooms to help all of guests' devices recharge. More Wi-Fi and more outlets are just two of the top hotel trends industry experts see: Another is revamping food and beverage service, with some hotels offering more casual-dining options and others partnering with celebrity chefs.

The iPad is fast becoming a standard amenity in hotel lobbies and guest spaces as the industry continues to integrate the device more deeply into its operations. These days, iPads in several hotels are being promoted as tools for guests to check in, to check area information, order room service or reserve a table at the hotel restaurant.

Starwood's Aloft Hotels brand is testing a new tablet-based concierge program at its properties. Concierge stations at the front desk will feature iPads that guests can use to make reservations, plan itineraries or look up directions.

John Vanderslice, Hilton Worldwide's global head of luxury and lifestyle brands, says the company is redefining its approach to luxury with the "Luxury Manifesto." The guideline can be illustrated by a hotel's "authentic" employees, by guests' genuine experiences and by options that allow guests to tailor their experiences. "Time is the ultimate luxury," he said.

Although some hotel chains bring in prominent perfumers and scent specialists to give their properties a signature aroma, at least one prominent chain, Kimpton, is dropping its efforts to scent lobbies. In an interview, CEO Mike Depatie said the chain's customer research indicated that guests would not miss the aroma, particularly in larger hotels where the aroma is harder to detect, and the scent has already been discontinued at the Hotel Palomar in Washington, D.C.